eBay and three former top executives pay $55.7 million to settle stalking and harassment lawsuit

Published Jul 28, 02:31 PM UTC

EBay and three former top executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who were victims of a stalking and harassment campaign by eBay employees. The campaign, which included sending cockroaches, fly larvae, and a bloody pig mask, was retaliation for the couple's critical newsletter, EcommerceBytes. As part of the settlement, eBay will pay $46.15 million, fund $6 million in charitable contributions, and issue a statement condemning the conduct. Former CEO Devin Wenig will personally pay $2 million and donate $1 million to a First Amendment charity. Seven former eBay employees had previously pleaded guilty in a related criminal case, with sentences up to 57 months. eBay itself paid a $3 million criminal fine in 2024.